Facebook Messenger Could Soon Let You Send Text Messages

Facebook is now testing an SMS integration feature for Messenger for Android, and it could soon enable users to send out text messages to their friends. The company has likewise added in multiple account support.
( Android Police )

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Solid Facebook Messenger fans might be happy to know that the app could soon allow them to send text messages as the company is currently testing SMS integration in Messenger. That's not all Facebook is putting on the table, as it also launched support for multiple accounts.

Before anyone gets their hopes up, though, it is worth mentioning that both of these nifty features are presently for Android users only.

Android Police initially reported the new functionalities in Messenger. The report says at least one user who tipped Android Police has spotted a new SMS setting pane, claiming that he can use the app as his SMS client.

SMS Integration

For those who are not aware, Facebook Messenger used to have both instant messaging and SMS integration features, much like Hangouts. However, Facebook decided to veer away from the latter back in November 2013 as it believed this functionality "just didn't take off." Now, Facebook is bringing this feature back into its Messenger app.

With this feature enabled, the prompt "Write an SMS message" shows up within the text input box when texting a friend. Instead of the typical blue color, messages that users sent out as SMS texts would then be shown as purple bubbles. Plus, the Messenger bubble alongside the user's image within the conversation list is substituted with a purple one.

Actually, Facebook has already confirmed to VentureBeat that it is now testing this new feature.

"At Messenger, we are always trying to create new ways for people to communicate seamlessly with everyone," said the company's spokesperson. "Right now, we're testing the ability for people to easily bring all their conversations — from SMS and Messenger — to one place."

The spokesperson said that this new feature will provide a way for users to "get, see and respond to all [their] SMS messages in just one app."

He said the feature is alongside the other improved features that the app offers.

Multiple Account Support

Facebook is also throwing in an interesting addition to Messenger to lure more people into its platform: multiple account support.

The company has confirmed that it has launched this feature on Android, enabling multiple accounts to exist in one device.

"Millions of people share phones with their family and friends," Facebook's spokesperson said. "Until now, there hasn't been an easy way for people to access their individual Messenger accounts from shared devices."

With this feature, users will no longer need to constantly log in and out of the app to manage multiple accounts. To use this functionality, head on over to the app's Accounts section and simply add users.

It is worth noting that the accounts are password-protected so only the account holders can read their own messages. Others will not be able to read the content of the message; they are only able to see a notification that a message has been received.